Computers for a cause

The state of Indiana is working harder for its unemployed citizens.

A new initiative involves placing computers in churches, libraries and community organizations throughout the state to ease the difficulties Hoosiers face in applying for unemployment benefits.

But before you ask how we’ll be paying for this technology, know that the computers to be distributed are more than 200 surplus state PCs that are not currently in use.

This new accessibility of resources will be relatively low-cost and very much dependent on the volunteers pledged to staff these new application venues.

Volunteers will also be trained in the application process and accessory functions necessary to assist those applying for unemployment. These volunteers are essential to the success of this new initiative: Having a helpful and well-trained assistant at each of the new locations is a commendable step toward demystifying the forms and processes required for application.

Having trained volunteers at these locations will certainly improve the tedious and often confusing process of filling out the rarely straightforward and seldom user-friendly unemployment benefits application.

The hope is that the increased assistance and volunteer presence at these satellite locations will reduce the number of errors made by those who would ordinarily apply from home without instruction.

Out-of-work Hoosiers will still be able to apply for benefits in person at one of 84 WorkOne offices statewide, but this expansion will shorten lines at these locations and make the application process more convenient for those in need of services.

Additionally, the Office of Workforce Development provides job search assistance, placement, training and a number of other services to get Indiana workers back on the job. With the state’s current unemployment rate of 8.2 percent, we cannot afford to see Hoosiers inhibited by the difficulty of applying for benefits or finding work.

This advancement is a huge step toward greater efficiency and a benefits system that works for Hoosiers.